Epoxidation of 1,7-octadiene by Pseudomonas oleovorans: fermentation in the presence of cyclohexane.

A very efficient conversion of 1,7-octadiene to 7,8-epoxy-1-octene and 1,2-7,8-diepoxyoctane was achieved by incorporating a high concentration of cyclohexane into the conventional fermentation medium. In the presence of cyclohexane, a 90-ml% conversion of substrate to product was accomplished within 72 h, compared with an 18,5-mol% conversion in the absence of cyclohexane. Furthermore, the products were simultaneously separated and concentrated in the organic phase.